title: Laser gingival retraction: a quantitative assessment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Proper gingival retraction improves the prognosis of crowns and bridges with sub gingival finishlines.Use of lasers assists the operator to achieve proper retraction with good clinical results.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was intended to assess the amount of lateral gingival retraction achieved quantitatively by using diode lasers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study was carried on 20 patients attended to a dental institution that underwent root canal treatment and indicated for fabrication of crowns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gingival retraction was carried out on 20 teeth and elastomeric impressions were obtained. Models retrieved from the impressions were sectioned and the lateral distance between finish line and the marginal gingival was measured using tool makers microscope. Retraction was measured in mid buccal, mesio buccal and disto buccal regions.
  
  
  METHODS
  The values obtained were used to calculate the mean lateral retraction in microns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean retraction values of 399.5 μm, 445.5 μm and 422.5μm were obtained in mid buccal, mesio buccal and disto buccal regions respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gingival Retraction achieved was closer to the thickness of sulcular epithelium and greater than the minimum required retraction of 200um.
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer, Department of Dental, Sri Sai College of Vikarabad - 501101, India .
authors.forename: Vamsi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Krishna Ch
authors.forename: Nidhi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: K Mahendranadh
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: N Chandra
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Sekhar
authors.forename: Venkata
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Aditya
authors.forename: G V K Mohan
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Reddy
keywords: Finish Line; Gingival Retraction; Lasers